Summer is the perfect season to head outside and enjoy some time in nature. Being around natural surroundings holds many health benefits, including decreased stress, improved mood, better physical health, better sleep, and a happier feeling, among many other benefits. But not everyone gets to take a summer holiday and head out, as some people still need to work. So, what can you do if you spend all day at work without enough time to enjoy the outdoors? Regardless of how tight your schedule is, here are some ways to connect with nature this summer.
1. Eat your meals on your patio
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You’ll still need to make time to eat despite your busy schedule. Instead of taking your breakfast or dinner indoors, head out to your patio or any outdoor space at home, including your garden or porch, and enjoy your meal. You can experience the morning breeze and sunlight caressing your skin while you eat in the morning. While it might sound like a small step, it's enough to improve your mood before the day starts. In the evening, you can enjoy the night sky or observe nocturnal animals that may visit your garden. No matter how tired you are, carrying your plate from the kitchen to your patio, porch, or garden shouldn’t take too much effort.
2. Take micro nature walks
You may not have the time to plan a long trip away from home, but that does not mean you can’t enjoy the nature and serenity close to you. For example, if you’re lucky enough to live near the beach, take a short detour when driving home from work. You can park your car and walk for a few minutes at the beach before driving back home. If you have the weekends to yourself, you can plan longer walks during the day, but remember to grab a beach hat even if you don’t expect the sunshine to be too strong. If you don’t live near the beach, you can find a nearby park, green space, or even a tree-lined street for a quick stroll during your lunch break or after work. Put a pair of flat shoes or sandals in your bag if you always go to work in heels to make your strolls much more comfortable.
3. Take most of your daily activities outside
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Your meals are not the only thing you can take outside, as you can turn a lot of your indoor daily activities into outdoor moments. For example, head outside instead of exercising only at the gym or in your home. You can even run for a few minutes in the park before or after you go to the gym. If you love listening to music, nothing should stop you from jamming outside, especially if you have headphones. Another thing worth trying is taking all your calls outside if you spend hours on the phone daily. You can stroll in your yard or sit in your garden while on the phone. Activities like journaling, playing traditional board games, and cooking can also be done outside.
